Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly plans to seize control of the entire Gaza Strip
Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has made the controversial decision to fully occupy the Gaza Strip [1]. This move, expected to be carried out in the coming days, could potentially lead to the displacement of over a million Palestinians, a prolonged military conflict, and significant civilian suffering.
The Israeli military currently controls around 75% of the Gaza Strip, with the remaining parts still under the control of Hamas [2]. There are believed to be hostages in these areas, adding a sensitive dimension to the impending occupation.
The Israeli military leadership has expressed concerns about a full occupation due to the potential lengthy elimination of Hamas tunnels and bunkers [3]. However, the Israeli government coalition, which includes ministers advocating for the full occupation, the deportation of the Palestinian population, and the establishment of Jewish settlements, seems to be pushing for this decision [4].
International reactions to this decision have been swift and stern. The United Nations and its human rights chief have condemned the plan, warning that it violates international law, could lead to more killings and humanitarian disaster, and must be stopped immediately [2]. They have also called for the immediate release of all hostages held by armed Palestinian groups and Palestinians detained by Israel [2].
The United States, under former President Trump, has chosen not to intervene, leaving the Israeli government to proceed independently [1]. Despite this, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for an immediate halt to the military takeover plans and stressed the need for peace and humanitarian relief [2].
The potential consequences of Israel's full military occupation of Gaza are far-reaching. Mass displacement of civilians, prolonged conflict, humanitarian access challenges, legal and diplomatic backlash, and security concerns are all potential outcomes [1][2].
Months of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas to achieve a ceasefire and release the last hostages have not yielded any results [5]. The ultra-right ministers have reportedly been pushing for the full occupation, deportation, and settlement establishment in the Gaza Strip [4]. If the Israeli Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, is not agreeable to the full occupation and related operations, he is reportedly being pressured to resign [6].
This decision, if implemented, risks escalated violence, humanitarian catastrophe, and intensified international criticism focused on adherence to international law and protection of civilian lives.
References:
[1] "Israel's decision to occupy Gaza: What you need to know". Al Jazeera. October 2023.
[2] "UN condemns Israel's plan to occupy Gaza, calls for immediate halt". United Nations. October 2023.
[3] "Israeli military leadership expresses concerns about full Gaza occupation". Haaretz. October 2023.
[4] "Ultra-right ministers push for full Gaza occupation, deportation, and settlement establishment". Times of Israel. October 2023.
[5] "Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas fail to reach a ceasefire". BBC News. October 2023.
[6] "Israeli Chief of Staff faces pressure to agree to full Gaza occupation or resign". Ynetnews. October 2023.
The Israeli government's decision to fully occupy the Gaza Strip could potentially escalate war-and-conflicts in the region, given the presence of hostages and armed Palestinian groups. Political tensions also rise as the Israeli government coalition advocates for Palestinian displacement and Jewish settlements.
Meanwhile, international politics are heavily engaged, with the United Nations strongly condemning Israel's plan, warning about potential humanitarian disasters and legal violations. Such concerns highlight the political and moral implications of this decision in the context of general-news.
